Sacramento County Sheriff's Office investigators are examining a shooting incident that erupted Saturday evening at Howe Park at the time authorities were dissolving an unauthorized event of an estimated several hundred individuals.
Before the Gunfire
Sacramento County law enforcement were first called to Howe Community Park around 6:30 in the evening after obtaining information of subjects reportedly carrying hidden weapons. Soon after, another report was received mentioning a reported physical confrontation taking place at the location.
Air support searched from above but could not confirm any ongoing fight. Nevertheless, it was evident that a crowd of several hundred had assembled at the park without any permit or approval.
How the Shooting Unfolded
Officers started clearing the unauthorized gathering by positioning themselves around the crowd and making announcements ordering the crowd to clear out. Nearly 15 minutes were spent for individuals to vacate.
As the crowd was being cleared that 20 to 25 rounds of ammunition echoed through the night. The shots sent hundreds fleeing. Law enforcement at once began finding those who had been shot.
Four Gunshot Victims
Ultimately, four gunshot victims were found to have been shot. The four individuals — made up of one woman and three men ranging in age through their in their twenties — were airlifted or driven to Sacramento area hospitals. Emergency physicians stated that two victims were in serious condition, one person had injuries of a moderate nature, and one victim's wounds were minor. In a positive development, each of the four victims was stable.
Metro Fire Sacramento also responded and assisted with medical triage the injured on location.
Crime Scene Evidence
The main crime scene was determined to have happened along the Cottage Way corridor close to the Home Depot store at the 2200 block of Howe Ave. Investigators found more spent casings on the Cottage Way roadway. Bullet holes were also found in the wrought iron perimeter fencing alongside the nearby Home Depot. These findings suggested that a shooter had been sending rounds south from along Cottage Way in the direction of the Home Depot. The Home Depot was placed on lockdown for a period of time. Forensic investigators and law enforcement detectives stayed at the location get more info well into the night.
Suspects Detained
Intelligence received through scanner monitoring established that a suspect Kia had been stopped in nearby Solano County. Four detainees were taken into custody. Sacramento County Sheriff's deputies were traveling to Solano County to collect the individuals for further questioning. Video reviewed at the scene established that two individuals had fired weapons.